The art of beautiful handwriting or calligraphy is considered equal to, if not higher in value than sculpture or painting in the Middle East. Derived from the Greek words kallos (beauty) and graphein (to write), the English word calligraphy did not appear until 1613. But the history of the art form that took shape differently across countries starting with the Shand dynasty in China, has existed for approximately 3,000 years. Today, in India, artist Achyut Palav, 59, is carrying forward the legacy of the art form. And the diverse work that has emerged from his 40-year career will be on display at a retrospective at Kala Ghoda's Jehangir Art Gallery this week.